Memphis basketball coach Penny Hardaway voiced his frustration Thursday as he continues to wait for a decision by the NCAA on sophomore forward Lance Thomas' eligibility this season.

"I guess that's the biggest question going for us right now," Hardaway said. "It's a little frustrating to me, but we are going to be patient and hope that the outcome will be in our favor."

Thomas transferred to Memphis after playing for Louisville last season. The 6-foot-10 forward applied for a waiver to avoid sitting out this season, per NCAA transfer rules.

At Memphis basketball's media day two months ago, Thomas said he cited the firing of former Louisville coach Rick Pitino and the school's alleged involvement in the FBI pay-for-play probe as the reason he was applying for a waiver.

"I wasn't prepared for (the Louisville FBI probe)," Thomas said in September. "That's not what I was told was going to happen. That's not what I expected to happen. That's why I feel like I deserve to play."

Hundreds of fans gather outside the FedExForum, as they wait for Memphis Madness Thursday afternoon. The University of Memphis' annual preseason basketball extravaganza will feature a skills contest, dunk contest, and celebrities. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Hardaway said he expects Parks to "be a game-time decision" going forward.

"We don't really need him to play (Friday)," Hardaway said. "We want him to be healthy."

Wingett missed the first exhibition after taking an elbow to the forehead during practice, but the freshman participated in a light shootaround before the game.

"David is really excited," Hardaway said. "He had the opportunity to watch the first exhibition from the sideline and kind of feel things out. Hopefully, he got the nerves out from watching and seeing how it all works."

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Memphis teammates (left to right) Isaiah Maurice, Kyvon Davenport and Jeremiah Martin celebrate on the bench during a 120-66 victory over LeMoyne-Owen during their exhibition game at the FedExForum. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Memphis forward Victor Enoh (left) is fouled by LeMoyne-Owen defender Jerry Hurt (right) while driving the lane during action of their exhibition game at the FedExForum. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Memphis guard Jeremiah Martin (middle) drives to the basket against LeMoyne-Owen defenders Jaquan Lawrence (left) and Tyrone Banks (right) during action of their exhibition game at the FedExForum. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Memphis forward Raynere Thornton (top) drives for a layup against LeMoyne-Owen defender Kemar Campbell (bottom) during action of their exhibition game at the FedExForum. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Memphis guard Kareem Brewton Jr. (right) takes a shot to the face while driving the lane against LeMoyne-Owen defender Kemar Campbell (left) during action of their exhibition game at the FedExForum. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Friday's starting five

Hardaway said he expects to go with the same starters he used against LeMoyne-Owen.

That starting five featured three guards – Alex Lomax, Jeremiah Martin and Tyler Harris – and two forwards – Kyvon Davenport and Isaiah Maurice.

"Unless something changes (Thursday) in practice, it's the same for right now," Hardaway said.

Slow tempo CBU

Christian Brothers probably will play a contrasting style compared to LeMoyne-Owen. The Buccaneers are known for a slow tempo offense, which forces opponents to defend for the entire 30-second shot clock.

"LeMoyne-Owen was a team that wants to run like us," Hardaway said. "Now (CBU) is going to slow us down, make us think, and make things very uncomfortable for us."

That's part of the reason the first-year coach said he wanted to play CBU before the season.

Memphis finished with 44 fast-break points in its exhibition against LeMoyne-Owen.

"(Friday) is going to be a test for our guys mentally and physically, and I like that," Hardaway said.